Outreach Paralegal - Economic Justice Project

Overview:

The Economic Justice Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center seeks to ensure that people living in poverty in the Deep South, especially minority communities, are not punished or exploited because of their economic status. Our work is focused in three main areas: (1) ending debtors’ prisons and reforming court debt abuses; (2) protecting consumers by ending predatory lending and abusive debt collection practices; and (3) protecting access to safety nets for the poor, including Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps). Over the past few years, our Project has worked to end debtors’ prisons in Montgomery, Alabama, Alexander City, Alabama, and Bogalusa, Louisiana; restore access to TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid Program) for thousands who were facing life-threatening medical conditions and whose applications were ignored during the rollout of the Affordable Care Act; document the abusive predatory lending industry in Alabama in an on-going push for state and federal regulatory reform; drive the largest private “probation” company out of Alabama; and end discriminatory wealth-based bail practices in over 50 municipalities in Alabama.

Our Project is growing and looking to expand our critical work. We are looking to augment our dynamic and talented team with passionate individuals who care about our issues and believe in and identify with our clients, as we look to continue our work in Alabama and expand our impact to Louisiana and Mississippi, and later other Southern states.

We are seeking an Outreach Paralegal who will work under the direction and supervision of SPLC attorneys. The Outreach Paralegal will perform extensive outreach to current and prospective clients and community organizations; conduct field investigations and advocacy, including know-your-rights presentations; provide case management and support; conduct research; and organize documents and information. Substantial overnight travel is required.

The positon will be based in either Jackson, Mississippi, or New Orleans, Louisiana. When applying, please state if you would accept the job in only one location or if you are amenable to either.
Responsibilities:

- Work with a team of attorneys, paralegals, outreach paralegals on multi-strategy legal cases and campaigns.
- Manage and maintain routine client communication and routine client management (by phone, letter, and in person).
- Assist with case/campaign investigation and development.
- Assist with organization, management and support of cases and campaigns including administrative tasks, review of documents/discovery information and trial preparation.
- Research, investigate, and document facts of case including conducting detailed intake interviews.
- Develop and execute outreach strategies to current and prospective clients, community partners and stakeholders.
- Support community partners/stakeholders and coalitions to advocate for policy changes affecting their community.
- Plan/facilitate community outreach and education including, but not limited to, Know Your Rights presentations, door-to-door canvassing and community meetings.
- Conduct legal, social science, and factual research, along with qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
- Assist with client management and litigation support during trials.
- Monitor court, government or legislative proceedings.
- Assist on settlement administration.
- Willingness to travel and work long hours, including weekends, as needed.
Qualifications:

- College degree or relevant work experience.
- One to two years’ experience working with and for lower-income individuals.
- One to two years of outreach experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Initiative and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced work environment.
- Strong organizational skills, follow-through and flexibility around changing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team to develop new campaigns and legal initiatives.
- Ability to work on several campaigns at once and take direction from several attorneys.
- Strong communication and writing skills.
- Strong public speaking skills and ability to conduct presentations.
- Ability to conduct data analysis.
- Commitment and passion for social justice.
- Understanding and sensitivity to issues client populations face commitment to a client-oriented approach to advocacy and ability to work on delicate issues in a compassionate and sensitive manner.
- Experience working with diverse groups of partners.
- Willingness to learn and use internal computer systems and databases.

Benefits and Compensation:

SPLC offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and within the parameters of SPLC compensation bands.

Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity:

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation and national origin. We reasonably accommodate staff members and/or applicants with disabilities, provided they are otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, the name and contact information of three references, and writing sample.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.